Hitman sets date for title clash

Updated 13.35 Sat Aug 02 2008
Keywords: Las Vegas, MGM Grand, boxing, Floyd Mayweather, fight, Ricky Hatton

Ricky Hatton's IBF light-welterweight title challenge against Paulie Malignaggi has been set for November 22.

The bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas will be Hatton's first since his homecoming victory over Juan Lazcano in front of 58,000 fans at the City of Manchester Stadium in May.

"I am looking forward to returning to America and challenging Malignaggi for his title" - Ricky Hatton

Malignaggi has plenty to prove after failing to impress in a split-decision victory over Lovemore N'Dou.

The Italian-American blamed an injured right hand for his poor performance but he had the cast removed last month and has resumed training.

Hatton will be making his fourth appearance in Las Vegas and returning to the venue where he suffered his first defeat to Floyd Mayweather last year.

He said: "I am looking forward to returning to America and challenging Malignaggi for his title."

He added: "Las Vegas is a second home for me. The fans treat me like gold and I promise them another value-for-money fight."

The Hitman will enter the ring for the first time in his professional career without trainer Billy Graham, who ended an 11-year-stint in Hatton's corner last week.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.